Vandals may have seriously damaged Santa's reindeer, but they can't take away the Dover Fire Department's holiday spirit. The firemen are working hard to turn 'Oh, dear!' Into 'Oh, deer!'

By Kimberley Haaskhaas@fosters.com

DOVER — Vandals may have seriously damaged Santa's reindeer, but they can't take away the Fire Department's holiday spirit.

Capt. Paul Haas said four of the reindeer used for Santa's sleigh during the annual holiday parade were damaged after an individual or individuals broke into the parks and recreation building a few months ago.

“I got an email from the head of Parks and Recreation, Gary Bannon. He is responsible for that building. He reported it to the Police Department. They investigated it, took prints and wrote up a whole report but they haven't been able to stumble upon something yet,” Haas said.

Lt. Marc Plante said the reindeer, which are from as far back as the 1960s, were in a number of pieces when they were first brought to Central Station. The reindeer with the most damage looked like it was hit multiple times with a two by four, Plante said, pointing to one of the deer being held together with tape and spray foam.

Fire Department Engineer Eric Anderson has been working hard to get the reindeer back in tiptop shape before the parade

“He actually said, 'Hey, if I am allowed to do it, I'll do it' and started picking away at them,” Plante said.

Anderson and others work on the reindeer during their off time and when it is slow at the station.

The damage to the reindeer was estimated to be only $300 in materials, which has not been a problem. The time, especially now that the holiday parade is only a few weeks away, is becoming a bigger issue by the day.

“It's stressful to get all this stuff done when everything is in line. This just adds to it,” Haas said.

The pressure is multiplied by the fact that Rochester, Somersworth and Berwick, Maine use the Santa float during their parades.

Plante is confident the reindeer, which were once in pieces, will be back to dancing and prancing condition before the Sunday after Thanksgiving, when Dover's parade is traditionally held.

“We can't disappoint the kids!” he exclaimed with a little sparkle of St. Nicholas in his eyes.